LITMIR.BIZ

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When the kids won’t act right,” the people in the congregation shouted along with him, “Thank you, Lord.’

      “Don’t let that fire stop burning; we’re just getting started. Ushers, I’ll let you take over from here,” Samson said as he backed away from the podium and took his seat.

      Assistant Pastor Michael Monroe whispered in his ear, “We took up $5,000 in Sunday School this morning.”

      Samson wasn’t concerned about the money. He knew that as long as he preached the Word, the people would come, and he trusted that God would take care of all of the church’s needs. Money was the last thing on his mind as he mentally prepared for his sermon. The choir sang an A and B selection, getting the members spiritually ready to receive the Word. The pianist sang the hymn “Amazing Grace.”

      Samson, with his mind on delivering God’s Word to His people, eased his way to the podium. “Turn your Bibles to the fourth chapter of James. Let’s read verses one through three together. I’m going to use the New Living Translation.”

      The congregation stood and read along with him. “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

      Samson asked, “Do you sometimes wonder why it seems God isn’t answering your prayers?”

      “Yes,” could be heard throughout the congregation.

      “Well, ask yourselves, Where is God in my prayers? How does He fit in? Are we asking for things just to satisfy our earthly needs, or is what we’re asking for going to help uplift or build the Kingdom of God? Don’t go getting quiet on me now.”

      Samson read more scriptures out of that chapter and said, “Thank God for His mercy because He knows what we’re going to pray for before we utter a word.”

      Forty-five minutes later, Samson stepped out of the pulpit, and with his cordless microphone, walked back and forth in front of the first pews for the altar call. “God gave His only begotten Son so that none of us will perish. Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. Don’t wait until next Sunday because today is all you have. Come now and be saved.”

      Several people—men and women—accepted the invitation and walked down to the altar. Souls were saved, and the saints rejoiced. Samson and his associate ministers fellowshipped with the members after service. Samson smiled as he thought about the souls that had been saved. The smile on his face turned to a frown when Delilah, dressed in a hot pink suit, bypassed some of the other ministers to get to him.

      “Pastor Judges, I really enjoyed your sermon today,” she said, extending her hand.

      Samson knew if he didn’t shake her hand, it would draw attention. “Sister Delilah, I’m just God’s vessel.” He plastered on a fake smile and shook her hand. Delilah gripped his hand, and he had to pull it several times before she released it.

      Before walking away, Delilah moved closer and whispered, “We need to talk.”

      “We have nothing else to talk about,” he said.

      “I think we do,” she insisted.

      Samson watched Delilah walk away. He felt someone tugging on his sleeve then turned around. “Julia, dear. I was wondering if you were here.” He gave her a hug.

      “I was running late, so I sat in the back.” Not once did Julia stop looking in the direction Delilah had walked. “I see your fan club is in full effect.”

      Samson chuckled. “Now, Julia, don’t even start.”

      She held out her hand, showcasing her three carat diamond engagement ring. “Some of these women forget who is wearing your ring.”

      Before Samson could respond, other members walked up to him. Julia stood in the background until he greeted the rest of his church members. “See, that didn’t take too long, now did it?” Samson asked as he led them to his office.

      Samson was startled to see his mom in his office when he opened the door. Standing next to her was Dorothy. “There you are. Baby, we need to talk about one of your members,” Kelly turned and said.

      Before Samson could respond, Dorothy blurted out, “That Delilah girl. She had the nerve to threaten me at the last Pastor’s Aide meeting. Something needs to be done about her.”

      Samson removed his black robe and hung it up as he listened to Dorothy recount the events of their meeting. Samson took a few deep breaths in an attempt to remain calm as he thought about the best way to handle the situation.

      Julia stood in the corner with her arms crossed. She said, “I never did like that woman.”

      “Ms. Dorothy, I’m sure Delilah didn’t go off on you for no reason,” Samson said.

      Kelly was appalled at her son’s comment. “I can’t believe you’re taking up for that woman. Dorothy is like an aunt to you, and here you are siding with Delilah.”

      “Mama, I’m not taking sides. As pastor, I have to look at things objectively,” Samson explained.

      “This is Dorothy we’re talking about, a woman you’ve known your entire life.”

      “Forget it, Kelly. I can handle Ms. Jezebel.” The sweat was popping off Dorothy’s forehead as she talked.

      “Ladies, there’s no need to do any name-calling. I’ll talk to Delilah and see if she can apologize.”

      Julia said, “No, you’re not going to do anything. I’ll talk to Delilah. If I’m going to be first lady, it’ll be my duty to talk to the women of the church when issues arise.”

      “She’s right,” Kelly said. “She might as well start now.”

      Samson had to think quickly. He didn’t want Julia anywhere near Delilah. “You’re busy with last-minute wedding details. I’m not trying to put more responsibilities on you.”

      Julia walked up to Samson and gave him a tight hug. “Dear, I’ll take on this responsibility with great pleasure.”

      Before Samson could protest, Julia was out the door. The satisfied look on the faces of his mom and Dorothy made him wonder if he was worrying for nothing. He prayed Delilah wouldn’t tell Julia about their indiscretions.

      Chapter 7

      Delilah’s house was located in the Eden Garden neighborhood, not too far from the church. Delilah hadn’t been home long enough to change clothes when her doorbell rang. She looked out the peephole and chuckled. Delilah opened the door. “Well hello there,” she said.

      “No need for pleasantries,” Julia responded.

      Delilah started to say, “In that case, we can hold this conversation on the porch,” but instead she said, “Come in and have a seat.”

      She wanted Julia to see that she too was living large. No, she didn’t have the big house, but her home was filled with nice furniture, and Black art covered the walls. Each room was color coordinated to fit a certain theme. “Would you like something to drink?” she asked as she took a seat across from Julia.

      “No. I doubt if I’ll be here that long.”

      “Whatever.” Delilah turned and looked Julia directly in the eyes. “So why are you here?” Delilah watched Julia squirm in her seat. Not too cocky now are you?

      “Ms. Dorothy told Pastor Judges about your altercation.”

      “First of all, if you’re going to come to me with some mess, get your story straight.”

      “All

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